Carthage is strategically located on US Highways 59 and 79, three hours north of Houston and just over two hours east of Dallas. Interstate 20, a major east-west artery in the nation's Interstate Highway System, is only a short drive north. Carthage is fortunate to be located near the proposed NAFTA trade route, Interstate 69. It is a small, friendly town booming with oil & gas production. It has an outstanding public school system, a community college, abundant recreational activities and is home to the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

The primary mission of the Carthage Improvement Corporation and theCarthage Economic Development Corporationis to maintain and expand the tax base of the City of Carthage, to create new value-added full-time jobs for the citizens of Carthage, to retain existing value-added full-time jobs, and to be instrumental in making Carthage a progressive community. The strategic goals of these corporations are:

To encourage, support, and financially assist in the retention and expansion of existing Carthage businesses and industries;

To attract the location of new manufacturing companies and industries to Carthage with available sites and buildings, financial incentives, available and technically-skilled workforce, and other support services;

To encourage, support, and financially assist in the development and diversification of small businesses in Carthage; and

To assist with activities which contribute to the overall quality of life in Carthage.

Employment opportunities are numerous with a strong economic base consisting of retail and service oriented businesses, antique and specialty shops, commercial food processing, agriculture and timber, industrial and light manufacturing plants, and oil and gas processing.

Local businesses and industries are well supported by the Panola County Chamber of Commerce/Industrial Foundation, the City of Carthage Economic Development Board, and the Carthage Improvement Corporation Board. These groups provide information and support for assisting businesses and attracting new industries to this area.